rossroads C Rotarybulletins.rotary.org.sg/Volume_55/Vol_55_Issue_12.pdf · Club scenario the first 100 days of its performance in RY 2018/19. And the best way to do it is to have

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1 IN FOCUS

President Mark – His First 100 Days In Office – By HM PP Raymon Huang

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for Best Bulletin in District 3310

Volume 55 Issue No. 12

8 October 2018

6 LAST WEEK

Report of Wed 3 Oct

Evening Meeting

1 | C r o s s r o a d s

An e-bulletin published by Rotary Club of Singapore – Proud of our Heritage, Committed to our Future email: [email protected] Website: www.rotary.org.sg Save our Forests! Save Paper - Print only if absolutely necessary.

HM PP Raymon Huang

In Focus

President Mark – His First 100 Days In Office By: Honorary Member (HM) Past President (PP) Raymon Huang

Heads of State, Presidents, Prime Ministers and so on, are usually under some scrutiny by their public as they reach their first 100 days in Office. It is a form of a look-back,

look-now, and look-ahead exercise. So it is with President Mark. His “public” – the members – would want to do the same. Come 8 October 2018, he reached that first milestone – his first 100 days as President of our Club. That our Club has done more than just well in its quest to do good in the world, there is not an iota of doubt. But even the best has some kinks somewhere. So this look-see exercise is a very good mechanism for a good look at the Club scenario the first 100 days of its performance in RY 2018/19. And the best way to do it is to have the story told by the Big Chief himself! So I asked him to share his Presidential thoughts by posing him 5 questions. These, together with his responses are outlined below:-

1. Raymon: Before assuming office as President, you said you were filling “not just big shoes, but giant ones. Now that you have done it for 100 days, what are your feelings?

Pres. Mark: Now wearing those shoes, I have gained even more respect for my predecessors for their achievements - Membership used to be higher; Fellowship used to involve more family members; we spun off literally every club in Singapore. But I am really proud of my Board; most of them are taking on their first stint of leadership responsibilities. Of course, times have changed and we are also breaking new grounds: more projects than ever; a new crop of members taking on responsible roles; more visibility among fellow clubs in the District; and warm and fuzzy evening meetings and fellowship events. At the same time, this not a full-time job, and should not take up all of one’s time. I insist on still taking business and personal trips, even playing golf. Squeezing those in means all my trips are book ended by Rotary events, and red-eye arrival flights! Comments: Rotarians are all volunteers. As such, I have always followed this course: family first; next – your professional and business work and next, volunteering work and leisure.

In Focus

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rotary-Club-of-Singapore/97500804758

http://www.rotary.org.sg/



In Focus

2. Raymon: What is it about Rotary that energizes you so much? (You have demonstrated that you are a real

“go-go” President!) Pres. Mark: It has to be the warmth and depth of the Rotarians both within and around R C Singapore. As President I am joining not just more activities, but also more diverse ones. I just can’t get enough! Comments: Delightful words!

3. Raymon: Are you happy then with your performance?

Pres. Mark: Not yet! Even as meetings, assemblies, projects and fellowships are staged and proceeding smoothly, we must be mindful of the vocal minority and the silent majority. AND the vocal majority and the silent minority! It is a fine line between respecting tradition, and making bold new moves. As I said, even if I cannot be all things to all members. I want to offer something to all members. Comments: The hallmark of a good leader.

4. Raymon: Any shortcomings anywhere – overall? What are they, and how do you plan to rectify them?

Pres. Mark: The glaring shortcomings are our rate of participation. It is easy to hide behind our large numbers, yet the figures for the PERCENTAGE attendance, as well as the PERCENTAGE of contributions, are frankly quite abysmal. I believe the solution lie in the variety of activities. All Board Members are working towards taking innovative approaches. And I have yet to see all members. Comments: They happen in most clubs – participation in time, talent and treasure.

5. Raymon: With 265 days to go before you hand the Presidential baton to your successor, any plans to do

something “spectacular” and a “surprise” – projects, celebrations? Pres. Mark: This is a tough question. A few initiatives are in progress, and many more will be forthcoming. But I can’t say, “apriori”, if there is anything “spectacular” or a “surprise”. A truly Club-wide Major Project is in the works. Our Endowment funds are being better structured. A search for a new meeting venue is underway. The Christmas Party may be hosted at a new venue. A family “Lo Hei” celebration! Perhaps – someone would say, “postpriori”, …. “that was spectacular!” Comments: Wow! Loads of do-good and happy work ahead.

In my view, President has not only lived up to his promise of “being the most active President” but, to use a cliché, he has led by personal example. His personality and his humility are his strong assets. I have “tagged” many members with many (good) names. President Mark? I call him “Captain Marvel”!

In Focus





Coming Club Events…

Join fellow Rotarians from other Rotary Clubs in Singapore as we participate in World Polio Day: The Meeting details are as follows: Date & Time: Wednesday, 24 October 2018 at 1.00pm Venue: Raffles Ballroom, The Tanglin Club Programme: - an inspirational speaker, Dr William Tan - Rotary End Polio updates & Fund-raising Cost: $40.00 (payable at the door) Registration through ClubRunner





Coming Club Events…

Please contact VP Rajkumar P Suppiah to register

Update on The Entrepreneur of the Year Award (EYA) REMEMBER: This is the 30th EYA celebration of the gold standards. The standards of entrepreneurship and a legacy for future generations.

Gala Dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel where the winners will be announced • Date: 22 November at 7 pm • Rotary Club of Singapore will have 2 tables at this event. Cost: $180 per person • Rotarians who wish to participate, please advise the Secretariat.





Almoner Visit to Mrs Gnana Thevathasan’s home on 22.9.18

At the Youth Service Committee Meeting on 27.9.18 at Terra SG

FootballPlus Finale (2017-2018 Club Major Project) on 22.9.18

Photo Album of recent Club Events…





Toastmaster PP Dr Oliver Hennedige (left) was pleased to raise a toast to the Rotary Club of Rizal West, one of the

Club’s longest sister clubs of more than 20 years. Representing RC Rizal West was PP Elsa Villanueva who

presented President Mark with her club’s pin.

PP Dr Oliver called on members to join him in a toast to the longstanding friendship with Rotary Club of Rizal West,

coupled with the toast to Rotary International.

Rtn Mandy

President Mark presents a Club banner to PP Elsa Villanueva (left)

Last Week – Report on Wednesday Evening Meeting – 3 October 2018 OPENING REMARKS Acting Sergeant-at-Arms IPP Keith Harrison opened the meeting and called on members to welcome President Mark Wang as he takes the Chair. President Mark welcomed members to the 3rd Evening Meeting with a special welcome to Guest Speaker, Mr Sidek Saniff, former Senior Minister of State.

WELCOME Guests and Visiting Rotarian were warmly welcomed by Rtn Mandy Pascual: Guests Mrs Rachel Harrison Mrs Irene Hennedige Mr Avinash Gulati (Rtn Varun’s father) Dr Ganesh Ramalingam Mr Sunil Ramnani Mr Azlan Sidek Capt Venky & Mrs Girija Venkatraman

Visiting Rotarian PP Elsa Villanueva – Rizal West, Philippines

TOAST & EXCHANGE OF BANNERS

Last Week





Rtn Dr Suresh with Pres Mark

YOUTH SERVICE COMMITTEE MEETING President Mark called on Rtn Dr Suresh Mahtani who was present at the Youth Service Meeting to briefly report on the meeting which was held on Thursday, 27 September. Rtn Dr Suresh noted that the meeting was held at the premises of Terra SG which was a social enterprise focused on ecology and humanitarian issues.

DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS President Mark noted the string of disasters in the region and advised that PP Dr Yap Lip Kee was on a reconnaisance trip to Cochin, India, who sent a message that he was in contact with PDG Al Purwa, The Rotary Foundation Chair of District 3420. He advised that the Disaster team would take action soon in Palu, and mobilise funds for the first stage and planning for aid for the recovery. President Mark added that the Club with PP Lip Kee were assisting the District in the relief efforts, and he called on members to continue to send in their donations.

UPCOMING EVENTS President Mark reminded members of the upcoming Rotary events:

Help the Children 2018 – District International Service Committee Project Visit from 12 to 14 October to Surabaya, Malang & Batu, East Java, Indonesia.

World Polio Day – Meeting on 24 October at The Tanglin Club at 1.00pm Rotary District 3310 Inter Club Bowling – 10 November at SRC Esplanade Bowl from 6.00pm to 11.00pm The Entrepreneur of the Year Award (EYA) Gala Dinner – 22 November at Ritz Carlton, Millenia at 7.00pm Sister Club, Rotary Club of Taipei’s Charter Celebrations – 3 December 2018 Mission to India – 14 to 17 December 2018 Christmas Fellowship – 20 December at Gardens by the Bay

Last Week





From left: Mr Sidek, President Mark & Rtn Uttam

Guest Speaker, Mr Sidek Saniff

President Mark invited Rtn Varun Gulati to introduce the evening’s Guest Speaker, Mr Sidek Saniff, whom he added needed little or no introduction. Mr Sidek was in the teaching profession for 27 years until 1980. He was invited by the People’s Action Party (PAP) as a candidate for the 1976 General Elections (GE) and went on to contest in five more GEs and was an elected Member of Parliament for 25 years from 1976 to 2001. Mr Sidek was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in 1980; Senior Parliamentary Secretary in 1988; Minister of State in 1991; and Senior Minister of State in 1996 until his retirement in 2001. He has served in various ministries. He has also served in the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) as a Deputy Director from 1981 to 1985. Mr Sidek was one of the founding members of the Malay community’s self-help group, Yayasan Mendaki, formed on 10 October 1981 and was appointed Chairman of the first Mendaki Congress. He was also instrumental in setting up the charity fund, Tabung Amal Aidilfitri (TAA) with the aim of providing some Hari Ray joy to the less fortunate from donations raided by members of the public. It has since evolved into the TAA Trust Fund. Mr Sidek was conferred with several awards for his service and contributions.

Prior to commencing his talk, Mr Sidek advised that he was once invited to join the Club by PP Dr Oliver Hennedige, but he had to decline the invitation due to his other commitments. Mr Sidek spoke on some of the major events in his life – from his teacher trainee days at the Sultan Idris Training College in Perak to his union activities in the Singapore Malay Teachers’ Union. He further shared insights to his invitation to join the PAP and his political successes in the GEs and work at Mendaki Congress and the formation of TAA in 1992. Mr Sidek invited members to purchase his book entitled “Life Reflections at Eight” and offered a complimentary copy of his book “A Kampung Boy Named Sidek” which he hoped members would

enjoy reading to their children/grandchildren. Mr Sidek graciously answered questions posed to him by members. President Mark called upon Rtn Uttam Kripalani to extend the Club’s vote of thanks to Mr Sidek. Rtn Uttam noted that Mr Sidek was a teacher and a champion of education; therefore he had to address him as “Cikgu” Sidek Saniff, and warmly thanked him for sharing his inspiring story. He added that Mr Sidek shared some aspects of his life, in which he claimed were contributions of an ordinary man with the help of others around him – his humility and selflessness were evident and heart-warming. Rtn Uttam added that Mr Sidek has stood up for the need of Singapore education and championed for many education reform.

Last Week

Speaker: Mr Sidek Saniff, former Senior Minister of State

Topic: “Life Reflections at Eighty”





From right: President Mark presents a banner to President Reginald

IPP Keith

From left: Rtn Keizo, President Reginal & President Mark

Previous Week – Report on Wednesday Meeting – 26 September 2018 OPENING REMARKS Sergeant-at-Arms Rtn Bertrand De Mil called the meeting to order and invited President Mark Wang to take the Chair. President Mark warmly welcomed Mr Douglas Faulkner as well as Honorary Member PP Bhagwan Melwani and PDG Dr Philbert Chin to the Meeting.

WELCOME The welcome of Guest and Visiting Rotarians fell to IPP Keith Harrison : Guests Douglas Faulkner Mrs Polly Faulkner Ms Jenny Gwee Visiting Rotarians President Reginald Pierce – RC Wauchope, NSW, Australia Mohshin Mosa – RC Agrabad Ralya

TOAST & EXCHANGE OF BANNERS Toastmaster Rtn Keizo Fujitake invited visiting Rotarian President Reginald Pierce to exchange his club’s banner with President Mark. Rtn Keizo also called on members to join him in raising a toast to the Rotary Club of Wauchope coupled with the toast to Rotary International.

Previous Week





From left: President Mark, HM PP Bhagwan, Mr & Mrs Faulkner & Rtn Jeff

Guest Speaker Mr Douglas Faulkner

PP Paliath “Mohan” Mohandas was called upon by President Mark to introduce the speaker, Mr Douglas Faulkner. Mr Faulkner is the Co-Founder and President of Leatherstocking LLC as well as a co-founder in 2014 of Jacob’s Ladder Energy Group. He served 5 United States President from Jimmy Carter to George W Bush.

Mr Faulkner received a B.A. in Asian Studies from the University of Illinois and a M.A. from The Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies. He also attended the University of Singapore as a Rotary Scholar. Mr Douglas Faulkner thanked PP Mohan for the introduction and to the Club for welcoming his wife, Mrs Polly Faulkner to the meeting as well. He was honoured by the presence of Honorary Member PP Bhagwan Melwani.

Mr Faulkner advised that it all started with a chance discovery in his senior year at the University of Illinois in early 1976 when he stopped to look at a bulletin board in an admin office he had never visited before. He saw a small notice about Rotary International scholarship competition with a deadline fast approaching. He went ahead and submitted an application, even though he thought that his chances of winning were pretty slim. Much to his surprise, he was selected by the local Rotary Club. A few weeks later, he gathered with many other competitors for district interviews and saw a young woman across the room chatting casually with others. Later, he got acquainted with her and she is his wife, Polly.

He had chosen to go to the University of Singapore, if selected. He wanted to chart a different path and picked Singapore as his

destination and he was one of the 3 selected from his district. Mr Faulkner happily recounted his experiences in Singapore. President Mark called on Rtn Jeff Rajeck who thanked Mr Douglas Faulkner for sharing his experiences of Singapore from decades ago as well as his personal photos and thoughts on how Rotary influenced his esteemed career in US politics. Rtn Jeff noted that it was heartening to hear that Mr Faulkner remembered Honorary Member (HM) PP Bhagwan Melwani and that they were able to meet again.

Speaker: Mr Douglas Faulkner, former Rotary Scholar and Founder & President, Leatherstocking LLC

Topic: “Long-time Love Stories”

Previous Week





RC sends Birthday greetings to the following celebrants: Alex Lega Robert Chien Dr Ekkehard Wiek Director Dr Chan Siew Luen

October Economic and Community Development Month

12-14 October – Help the Children

Project in Malang and Batu, Indonesia 20 October – Vocational Visit to

Jewellery Design & Management International School, MDIS Unicampus, 501 Stirling Road from 10.30am to 12.00pm 24 October – World Polio Day 2018 at

The Tanglin Club @ 1.00pm

November Rotary Foundation Month

2-4 November – 30th Pan Borneo Meet

2018 10 November – District 3310 Inter City

Bowling at SRC Esplanade Bowl from 6.00 pm to 11.00pm 22 November – The Entrepreneur of

the Year Award Presentation at Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Coming Rotary Events

RC sends best wishes to Wedding Anniversary celebrants this week:

Peter & Lily Koh Director Dr Chan Siew Luen & Patricia Gunter Stockmann

Anniversary Celebrants

Birthday Celebrants

This Meeting

Next Meeting

Vocational Service

Meeting

Mark Your Diary

y

Pres Garry hands a Club banner to Rtn Rodrigo

EVENING MEETING 17 October 2018

Reception Desk duty: Directors Drs Rupesh Agrawal & Chan Siew Luen Sunshine Box: PP Jimmy Ooi & Mandy Pascual

Speaker: Associate Professor A L Gilbert Topic: “From Belief to Success – learning from Asian Startups”

International Service

Meeting

International Service Committee Meeting will be held on:

Date: Thursday, 18 October Time: 7.00pm Venue: Ruby Room, Level 3, Singapore Island Country Club, Sime Road (Thomson Location), 180 Island Club Road, S578774 Hosts : PP Chiang Shih Fang, Rtns Kannan Krishnan, Rewa Mirpuri & PE Deepak Nagrani

Vocational Service Committee Meeting will be held on:

Date: Thursday, 11 October Time: 7.30pm Venue: Spoon Room, Singapore Island Country Club, Sime Road (Bukit Location), Junction of Lornie/Adam Roads Hosts : Dr Claus Dusemund, Dr Hans Schniewind & Stuart Pierce

10 October 2018 Reception Desk duty: PP Dr Oliver Hennedige & PP Dr Yap Lip Kee Sunshine Box: Vijai Parwani & PP J K Ong

Speaker: Mr Danny Lim, Group CEO/Chairman, Lighthouse Global Holdings Inc. Topic: “Blockchain Projagg”





BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018/2019

President Mark Wang

Immediate Past President Keith Harrison

President Elect Deepak Nagrani

Vice President (Public Relations) Hassan Moosa

Vice President (Membership) Rajkumar Perumal Suppiah

Hon. Secretary (Administration) Connie Ho

Hon. Treasurer (Finance) Horst Hagemann

Directors

Chair, Community Service Dr Rupesh Agrawal

Chair, Vocational Service Ronil Sujan

Chair, International Service Dr Chan Siew Luen

Chair, New Generations Service Dr Hoh Sek Tien

Director (Club Rotary Foundation) Manish Tibrewal

The Guide to Daily Living

Before doing the things we want to do, consider first, the

Precepts of the guide. Ask ourselves these 4 questions and

act upon them:

First: Have I spent some time in self-examination?

Second: Have I spent quality time with my family?

Third: Have I given my best to my work?

Fourth: Have I given some time to someone near and far?

The Guide, in fact, encompasses the 4 parts of the Object of Rotary.

The Four-Way Test

Of the things we think, say or do:

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendship?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?



Documents

rossroads C Rotarybulletins.rotary.org.sg/Volume_55/Vol_55_Issue_12.pdf · Club scenario the first 100 days of its performance in RY 2018/19. And the best way to do it is to have